Report: Over Half of US Schools Face Staff Shortages
According to a new survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, more than half (53%) of US school principals say they were short-staffed at the beginning of this school year. The Education Dept. published the survey results on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the nationwide issue.
Facts
- According to a new survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, more than half (53%) of US school principals say they were short-staffed at the beginning of this school year. The Education Dept. published the survey results on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the nationwide issue.
- Of those experiencing shortages, the majority reported struggling with unfilled support-staff, teaching, and other positions since the start of the COVID pandemic. About 20% of principals said their schools were understaffed before COVID.
- Additionally, 48% of the 904 principals surveyed said they had struggled to fill teaching roles, 65% reported a lack of special-education teachers, and almost 59% had difficulty hiring transportation staff.
- There were further acute shortages of mental health staff — nearly 50% of schools currently trying to fill vacancies are struggling to find specialists, despite a reported rise in the number of students experiencing anxiety and depression since the COVID lockdowns.
- Teaching isn't the only profession in the US plagued by shortages. Child care and nursing are also reportedly understaffed as high-pressure, low-pay, and worker burnout are allegedly leading more people to quit.See Fewer Facts
Sources: Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Atlantic.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by USA Today. The Biden administration is working hard to tackle a growing crisis caused by poor wages and untenable conditions for those taking on some of the most crucial roles. Biden is partnering with major job search companies to proactively tackle these shortages and protect the future of American children.
- Republican narrative, as provided by New York Post. There are staff shortages in schools, but not for the reasons you'd think. This isn't an issue of working conditions, but rather a reflection of the current strong employee market. Schools are competing for teachers, just like all sectors are competing for employees. Thankfully, many people are still entering teaching to fulfill a vocation.
